FAQ

Splice Connectors and Splice Protection

Learn about splice connectors and related protection components used to join and protect conductors in photovoltaic systems. This section explains where splice solutions fit into the field, why dependable splice protection matters, and how these products support reliable inline electrical connections.

Splice Connectors and Splice Protection

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When should a splice connector be used?

A splice connector should be used when two conductors need to be joined inline in the field. In solar projects, that can be part of maintaining electrical continuity while keeping the wiring layout practical and installation-ready.

What makes NPDesign splice solutions suitable for field use?

NPDesign splice solutions are built for durable field wiring and are described as offering low-resistance electrical performance with strong mechanical pull-out characteristics. That makes them a practical fit for demanding solar installation environments.

Why are splice connection components important in solar systems?

Splice points need dependable electrical performance and good environmental protection, especially in utility-scale solar. Using the right splice components helps support long-term reliability and a cleaner, more secure installation.

What is a splice connector used for?

A splice connector is used to join two conductors inline as part of the field wiring system. It creates an electrical connection that is meant to be durable, low-resistance, and suitable for demanding outdoor applications.

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IPC Solutions for
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IPC Connectors

Insulation piercing connectors with no wire stripping, shear-bolt torque control, and environmentally sealed teeth. Installs in under 2 minutes per tap.

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End Cap Assemblies

Protective covers for inline, commercially available splice connections that provide a quick, field-installed wiring splice with reliable performance in demanding environments.

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Splice Connector Covers

Protective covers for inline, commercially available splice connections that provide a quick, field-installed wiring splice with reliable performance in demanding environments.

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Common Questions

Frequently asked questions featured across the site.

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How does an IPC trunk bus system replace combiner boxes?

Instead of routing individual string cables to a central combiner box, IPCs connect strings directly to a trunk bus cable that runs along the array. This eliminates combiner box hardware, reduces underground conduit runs, lowers voltage drop, and cuts total connection points dramatically — resulting in less labor, less material, and fewer potential failure points.

Why UL 9703 instead of UL 486?

UL 9703 was developed specifically for wiring harnesses in distributed generation systems. It requires more aggressive testing — including freeze cycles, thermal chamber, wet high-pot, and impact tests — than UL 486, which covers a broader range of general-purpose connectors. It’s the highest standard available for solar EBOS connections.

What sizes do your IPCs support?

Our IPC product line covers trunk bus sizes from 1/0 AWG through 1000 KcMil, with tap cable support for #10, #8, #6 AWG. Available in single-tap and dual-tap configurations to match your array string count and inverter layout.

What is an insulation piercing connector?

An IPC connects string-level DC wiring to a trunk bus cable by piercing through the cable insulation with tin-plated teeth. This eliminates wire stripping in the field, reduces connection time, and creates a sealed, weather-resistant joint. The result is fewer failure points and faster array commissioning.

What does NPDesign do?

NPDesign engineers and delivers EBOS infrastructure for utility-scale solar projects, with a strong focus on Solar IPC trunk bus systems, connectors, engineering support, and project-specific kitting and logistics.

What is an IPC connector?

An IPC connector is an insulation piercing connector designed to create a field-installed electrical tap connection without requiring wire stripping at the tap point. NPDesign presents IPC connectors as a faster and more efficient solution for solar trunk bus systems.

Do NPDesign IPC connectors require wire stripping?

No. NPDesign IPC connectors are designed to make the connection without stripping the cable insulation first. This helps speed up installation, reduce extra cable prep in the field, and create a more consistent connection process across large solar projects.

How fast do the IPC connectors install?

NPDesign IPC connectors are designed to install in under two minutes per tap. That faster install time helps crews move more efficiently across the array while keeping the process simple and repeatable.

What cable sizes do NPDesign IPC connectors support?

The IPC product line covers trunk bus sizes from 1/0 AWG through 1000 KcMil, with tap cable support starting at #10, #8, #6 AWG depending on the model. This gives project teams options across a wide range of utility-scale solar layouts.

Why use an IPC trunk bus system in solar?

An IPC trunk bus system can reduce connection points, simplify array wiring, and lower field labor compared with more traditional DC wiring layouts. It reduces voltage drop and helps create a cleaner, more standardized installation process across large solar projects.

Does NPDesign provide engineering support or only products?

NPDesign provides both products and engineering support. That includes site plan review, single-line review, IPC sizing, array layout support, field guidance, and other services that help customers apply the right EBOS solution to the project.

Does NPDesign offer project-specific kitting?

Yes. NPDesign can kit connectors, trunk cable, harnesses, and accessories by site zone and construction schedule. This helps crews receive materials in a more organized way for the work being done on site.

Why is UL 9703 important?

UL 9703 is a photovoltaic connector standard that supports safety, inspection confidence, and project compliance. Using listed components can also help give developers, EPCs, and contractors more confidence in the connection system being installed.

How does it work to start a project with NPDesign?

The process starts with sharing the site plan and single-line diagram. From there, NPDesign reviews the EBOS requirements, develops the connector and trunk bus approach, and helps move the project toward kitting, delivery, installation, and energization.

How can I contact NPDesign?

Customers can reach out through the contact and quote request options on the site, and NPDesign also lists in**@*********lc.com as a direct contact email.

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Since 2010.

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